A new report by background screening provider TPN has raised alarm over school safety after finding that nearly 3% of staff in South African schools have been flagged for criminal activity, including sexual offenses, violent crimes, and drug-related offenses.
Key Findings from the Report
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2.95% of school staff screened between March 2024 and February 2025 had criminal records.
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1.22% of these cases involved crimes of a sexual nature or abuse.
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Other offenses included assault, drug trafficking, housebreaking, and even murder.
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While there was a slight decrease from the previous year’s 3.08%, the figure remains concerning, equating to one in every 34 school staff members having a criminal record.
Who Is Being Flagged?
The report highlights that criminal records are not limited to teachers but extend to ground staff, tuck shop employees, coaches, and temporary hires—anyone who interacts with children or vulnerable individuals.
Why Is This Happening?
Ashleigh Laurent, Legal Counsel at TPN, explained that while the South African Council for Educators (SACE) requires police clearance certificates for teachers, ongoing checks are not always enforced. Additionally, some employees may hide past offenses, and schools may lack awareness of their legal obligations to screen all staff.
Are Schools Breaking the Law?
Laurent noted that schools could be unintentionally non-compliant due to gaps in understanding legislation, such as the Children’s Act and the Sexual Offenses Amendment Act, which mandate background checks for all staff in contact with minors.
Link to School Violence?
While the report does not confirm a direct correlation, Laurent acknowledged the possibility that staff with criminal records could contribute to violence and abuse in schools.
What Needs to Be Done?
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Stricter enforcement of background checks, including continuous screening (as criminal records can change over time).
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Mandatory reporting of suspicions to the National Register of Sex Offenders and Child Protection Register.
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Greater transparency from employees regarding past offenses.
Final Warning
Laurent emphasized that schools must take immediate action when red flags arise, including relocating or terminating staff who pose a risk to children.
Conclusion
With nearly 3% of school staff implicated in criminal activity, the findings underscore urgent reforms needed in hiring practices and legal enforcement to ensure safer learning environments for South Africa’s children.